Watch Auctions

How much will people like Ike’s Rolex?

Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower wore the 18-karat yellow gold Rolex Oyster Ref. 6305 in his portrait that appeared on a Life magazine cover in 1952.

Boston--The Rolex given to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower for his achievements as a general during World War II, including the planning of D-Day, is expected to garner as much as $1 million at auction.

The 18-karat gold Rolex Oyster Ref. 6305 wristwatch was presented to Eisenhower, a five-star general, in 1951, before he became president. He wore it regularly throughout this two-term presidency and on the cover of Life magazine in July 1952 after he had won the Republican Party’s nomination for president.

When Eisenhower died in 1969, he bequeathed the watch to army colleague Sgt. John Moaney.

Around 30 years ago, the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection, an assemblage of historic Americana, presidential and military relics, acquired the watch from Moaney’s widow, who had served as the personal cook for Dwight and first lady Mamie Eisenhower from their time at the White House through the end of their lives.

Now, RR Auction in Boston is selling the 1951 Oyster chronometer along with the rest of the Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection at an auction scheduled to take place Sept. 17.

The wristwatch features an 18-karat gold “Jubilee” bracelet with a deployment clasp and the initials “DDE” inscribed on the case back, as well as the five-star general insignia and date that NATO appointed Eisenhower as a Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, “12-19-1950.”

“The overall condition of the watch is excellent original, being in good running order, having minor band repairs, some normal refinishing of case and bracelet surfaces,” RR Auction said. “The case back retains its fine engraving with light wear, thanks in part to the preservation noted by the man who received the watch from the president.”